In recent years, South Africa has confronted a growing threat to its cattle industry: the rapid distribution of foot and claw disease (FMD). This highly contagious viral infection has already disrupted trade, weakens the productivity of animals and the country cost millions of control efforts.
Despite its severity, many farmers, in particular those in common and rural areas, remain uncertain about how FMD spreads, what symptoms they should look for and, above all, how to prevent this. More than ever, farmers have to take the lead to protect their herds.
Insight into FMD, recognizing early warning signals and the application of basic bio -safety practices can mean the difference between enclosure and catastrophe.
Prof. Ishmael Jaja, a veterinarian, researcher and university teacher at the University of Fort Hare, takes everything out of everything that farmers need to know about FMD, from symptoms and vaccine challenges to prevention strategies and the crucial role of timely reporting.
What is the foot and claw disease (FMD)?
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects claven-headed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. “Fed-and-claw disease is mainly an infection, a viral infection in plotted animals in pleading. And what we mean by Claven-Hoofed, we mean animals that run on two toes,” Jaja explains.
The disease causes blisters (blister -like ulcers), weight loss, lethargy, excessive saliva and other visible symptoms that influence the performance and marketability of animals.
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What causes FMD?
FMD is caused by a virus called Turfirusthat belongs to the Picornaviridae family.
There are seven different serotypes (variants) of the virus and each behaves differently. It is important that immunity for someone does not protect animals against others.
“The virus is not cross-protective. So if a type of serotype infects an animal, it does not transfer immunity to the following. If type A were to infect the animals in a farm, the next farm, which is type C, would have no protection,” Jaja explains.
FMD spreads rapidly, especially in common agricultural systems, and traditional control methods such as clearing, motion control and surveillance have made an effort in the South African context.
“When you have several tribes, this complicates the control efforts.”
Insight into the FMD vaccine
The FMD vaccine is not available on a large scale for individual farmers due to the sensitivity and the controlled nature of the disease.
“First of all, FMD is a reportable disease, a disease controlled by the government because of the severity and economic implications. Queries around FMD cannot be opened to the public,” said Jaja.
Before vaccines are approved for use, they undergo scientific evaluation that corresponds to the local tribe of the virus.
“The decision to use a certain vaccine must be governed by science. And that science must be proven to be efficient. This is one of the reasons why the vaccine is very scarce. It is not your regular vaccine,” Jaja explains.
Hidden carriers: how different animals spread FMD
A key but often over the head aspect of FMD is how different livestock animals contribute to its spread. According to Jaja: “We have what we call reinforcement gasters. We have what we call maintenance hosts. We have what we call the indicator orgas. And these are different types of animals.”
Sheep and goats act as maintenance hosts, which Jaja explains is “only an organism that houses and maintains a pathogen for a period and possibly becomes a reservoir for that infection”. This means that they can wear the virus quietly, while farmers concentrate on visibly sick cattle.
Pigs are amplifier guests: “It is where the pathogen multiplies quickly. Which leads to a high concentration and increased transmission potential.”
In the meantime, cattle are the indicator guests, where the disease can finally be seen. That is why cattle are the hotbed of the disease.
To manage the FMD risk, Jaja encourages farmers to separate animal species. “The separation of species in livestock farming in the common area is very important.”
How you can identify FMD in your herd
FMD symptoms can be clear, but it is important to know what to look for. Jaja notes that with cattle symptoms are:
- Blisters on the mouth, feet, nose, snout and udder
- Excessively drooling
- Lameness
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Nasal dismissal
- Abortion, often occurring with vesicle formation
Jaja notes that other diseases, such as vesicular stomatitis or pork pisticular diseases in pigs, can imitate FMD, and therefore laboratory tests are essential. “Pork farmers really have to report so that the laboratory can determine exactly which virus the animal infects.”
When and how you can report presumed FMD
Immediate reporting is essential. Farmers must inform their local veterinarian or the nearest agricultural office of the first signs of FMD in their herd or neighboring herds. Not reporting is a serious legal crime.
“In South Africa, not reporting foot and claw disease when it is suspected or diagnosed is a violation of the 1984 Animal Disease Act, in particular section number 35,” warns Jaja.
Simple but essential measures for biosafety
Although challenging in common areas, biosafety remains the most important defense against FMD. “Biosecurity is a tool to prevent. If you can prevent it, you won’t cry later,” says Jaja.
Some measures you can start are:
- Quarantine new animals before mixing with your herd.
“You must have defined an area with any local material that is available to keep those animals for at least two weeks.” - Observe your animals daily for changes in motion, appetite or behavior.
“The act of observation, physical observation of animals, is very important. You would probably see them struggling, struggling to eat and even to drink water.” - Disinfecting tools and equipment regularly.
“Tools such as inserting sheets, spraying and castration instruments must be disinfected. Including the handlers of these animals must wear protective clothing.” - Separate cattle species such as pigs, goats, sheep and cattle, which play different roles in spreading the virus.
Veterinarians and animal health technicians play a crucial role in protecting the health of cattle at community level. As Jaja explains, their responsibilities include routine vaccinations, the training of farmers about bio -safety measures, responding to outbreaks of diseases and guaranteeing accurate sickness report and surveillance. These professionals are often the first line of defense in preventing the spread of diseases such as FMD.
“Farmers can find these professionals in different municipalities. All municipalities have agri officials with technicians of animal health in those places,” says Jaja.
Prevention starts with education
Jaja emphasizes that strengthening farmers with knowledge is one of the most effective tools in the fight against foot and claw disease. “Education is very important, especially on this day and time. Read about FMD, knows a little so that your mind conscientizes what you can expect.”
He encourages farmers to familiarize himself with the signs and symptoms of the disease also visually.
“Get the images of what it looks like, so that even if it is not on your farm and you are going to buy animals somewhere, what you have read and the photos you saw would help you make a good decision immediately.”
Through proactive learning, farmers can better protect their herds and prevent the spread of FMD over communities.
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Patricia Tembo
www.foodformzansi.co.za
